The Great Sussex Way
West Sussex awaits! Whether you're here for our unspoilt coastline, our wealth of cultural delights and array of great things to do, our miles of footpaths and cycle routes or to soak up a warm West Sussex welcome at outstanding places to eat and drink, there's something memorable for everyone to enjoy. Let your adventures begin.
Discover the Chichester District in West Sussex
Discover Chichester, the vibrant cathedral city and county capital of West Sussex. Immerse yourself in rich history with impressive Roman ruins and outstanding culture or explore the stunning countryside and rolling South Downs. Enjoy endless walking and cycling opportunities, incredible events and adventures at Goodwood, charming towns and villages like Midhurst and Petworth, and the sparkling Sussex coast, home to beautiful beaches like West Wittering, East Wittering, Bracklesham Bay and Selsey.
Just over an hour from London and just under an hour from London Gatwick Airport, our stunning, sunny corner of Sussex is closer than you think!
The Great Sussex Way is here to help you find GREAT things to do in Chichester and the the surrounding area, read on for more ideas…
South Downs National Park
The South Downs National Park is one of the top West Sussex attractions encompassing majestic rolling hills, heathland, rivers, and more woodland that any other national park in England or Wales – including some of the most ancient forests in the country - making it a perfect playground for those who love the outdoors, whether that’s on two feet or on a bike. As well as epic walking trails including The South Downs Way, here you’ll find important habitats for wildlife, including rare species like the Adonis and Chalkhill Blue Butterflies.
West Wittering Beach
One of the South Coast’s best loved beaches, once you’ve experienced the golden sands of West Wittering beach between your toes it’s easy to see why. Long stretches of soft sand and shallow water make it perfect for families, while also offering an abundance of opportunities for adrenaline seekers to enjoy the waves. Often extremely busy in summer (we recommend booking parking to avoid disappointment), quieter spots can be found at neighbouring East Wittering or a little further along the coast at Selsey.
Goodwood
Goodwood, for many, is a name synonymous with incredible events like the Festival of Speed, the Qatar Goodwood Festival or the Goodwood Revival, which draw visitors from across the globe. The sporting country estate which covers 12,000 acres of stunning Sussex countryside is also home to a stylish Hotel and Spa, unforgettable dining experiences, golf courses, and the opportunity for high-energy adventures in the air, on the Motor Circuit and more.
Arundel Castle
Just ten miles from Chichester, discover almost a thousand years of history at Arundel Castle. A captivating day out with a huge amount original features to explore including the Norman Keep, medieval Gatehouse and the 14th Century Catholic Fitzalan Chapel, there's a huge amount to see, plus action-packed events and the annual floral celebrations each spring as the Tulip Festival and Allium Extravaganza surround the castle with vivid swathes of colour.
Exploring West Sussex in Winter
Walking in West Sussex
Walking routes for everyone to enjoy
Great West Sussex Pubs with Walks
That classic combination for experiencing the best of West Sussex
The Sussex Tree Trail
Follow this trail to see our most awesome trees
What's On in West Sussex
View AllBeing Mr Wickham
Continuing the celebrations for the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen's birth, Adrian Lukis, who…
Caroline Walker: Mothering
Celebrated for her luminous brushwork and moving depictions of women's lives, Walker transforms…
Downs to the Sea Workshops | Winter Blues
Downs to the Sea Workshops Nourish your wellbeing in these warm and welcoming creative workshops…
ERASURE
Through painting, sculpture, installation and moving image, the exhibition deals with prescient…
Evening Roost Watch
Stay onsite a little longer to watch pied wagtails, egrets, and marsh harriers gather for their…
Every Step of the Way
Explore the South Downs Way through art The new Every Step of the Way exhibition explores the South…
Hurrah for Shippam's | The Novium Museum
Hurrah for Shippam's Come and discover the story behind one of Chichester's most iconic…
Jane Bown: Play Shadow
Jane Bown: Play Shadow at Newlands House Gallery Explore an intimate portrait of one of…
Lunchtime Concerts at Chichester Cathedral
Each Tuesday at 1.10pm (apart from during school holidays) the Cathedral hosts a lunchtime concert…
Marine Ecology Walks
Our beaches are full of marine life just waiting for you to discover them; however, it can be small…
Roger Fry
Explore the first major exhibition in over 25 years dedicated to Roger Fry as a painter. Known for…
Stargazing at West Dean
Embark on a captivating guided journey through the night sky with renowned local astronomer Dr. John…
The Constant Wife
1927. Constance is the perfect wife and mother, and her husband is as devoted to her as he is to his…
The Repair Shop Open Days
We are proud to be the home of The Repair Shop. With the skilled experts and crew now back and busy…
William Nicholson
Spanning Nicholson's entire career, this landmark show reveals the breadth of his artistic…
Aspiring Authors
Calling All Aspiring Authors! Is this the year you hope to write a book? Or maybe you’ve…
Christmas Market | Sky Park Farm
CHRISTMAS MARKETS 29.11.2025 - 24.12.2025 Christmas Markets 2025 – A Magical Family Experience…
From Newfoundland - "Rum Ragged" Gone Jiggin'
Rum Ragged takes a bold approach to the distinct folk music of their home, the Eastern Canadian…
Merlynda's Heavenly Love Poetry Exhibitions
Visitors are invited to explore regular weekend exhibitions of enchanting illustrated poetry inside…
Petworth Farmers' Market
Explore local goods and artisan produce at this monthly farmers' market held in the Market…
Rum Ragged
We're excited to announce that Rum Ragged will play The Old Malthouse (AKA Chidham Village Hall…
Surf Cinema West Africa Edition
Join us for a double screening of West African surf movies as we show We The Surfers (Liberia) and…
Burns Night Celebration
Celebrate Burns Night in True Scottish Style! Raise a glass to Robert Burns with canapés and an…
The East Pointers (with local support)
We are delighted to welcome The East Pointers back to WemsFest in January 2026! JUNO Award-winners…
Death on the Nile
On board a luxurious cruise under the heat of the Egyptian sun, a couple's idyllic honeymoon is…
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Things to Do in West Sussex
Explore our Towns, Villages and Coast
Image: Joanna Kaczorowska